QUESTION
Which developments does the Big Apple Connect program cover, and are there plans to include RAD developments?
0:50:03
·
110 sec
The Big Apple Connect program covers all major New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments except for Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) properties, with ongoing conversations about extending coverage.
- The program has expanded to all NYCHA residents in major developments, excluding RAD properties.
- There are 220 RAD developments not currently covered by the Big Apple Connect program.
- Discussions regarding the inclusion of RAD developments involve management agreements and broadband entitlements.
- The agreements between NYCHA and management companies include a commitment to provide high-speed broadband.
- All non-RAD, NYCHA developments have been connected as of Fiscal Year 2024.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
0:50:03
So I think Big Apple Connect plays a really crucial role in maintaining connectivity when federal dollars are are not serving this particular need.
0:50:14
Our understanding is that the program has expanded to cover all night your residents.
0:50:19
That is correct.
Matthew Fraser
0:50:19
That that is correct.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
0:50:20
All major developments.
Matthew Fraser
0:50:21
That's correct.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
0:50:22
That's great.
0:50:23
But not
Matthew Fraser
0:50:24
With with the exception of Rad.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
0:50:25
Of Rad.
0:50:25
Okay.
0:50:26
Okay.
0:50:26
So Rad Rad how many do you how many Ninety Ninety Developments is
Matthew Fraser
0:50:29
220.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
0:50:30
220.
0:50:32
Are there conversations about extending into developments.
Matthew Fraser
0:50:37
So we we've had we've had some conversations on that front as part of the management agreement.
0:50:43
There's a broadband, a high speed broadband
Jennifer Gutiérrez
0:50:48
The whole time.
Matthew Fraser
0:50:49
Yeah.
0:50:49
There's a there's a high speed broadband entitlement that's a part of that.
0:50:53
And we're trying to examine as the management companies take over, how quickly can they provide that service or if they have something comparable school.
0:51:00
Mhmm.
0:51:01
We don't wanna be in a position where the city is expanding capital through paying a management agreement.
0:51:07
That includes the fees for broadband, and then we cover it under the big Apple Connect side.
0:51:12
So it's a constant conversation or this a conversation in place between NICE and those that are taking over on the management end to see what we can do by pushing the program forward on
Jennifer Gutiérrez
0:51:23
And is it NICE specifically or would it be through the individual management companies at those NICE development?
Matthew Fraser
0:51:29
So the the agreements are it extended between night shift and the management companies, but the commitment is in the agreement with the management companies to provide the service.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
0:51:39
Okay.
0:51:40
So at this point, when the the 220 developments, which are all NIAGEN, non RAD, they've all been connected as of FY 24?
Matthew Fraser
0:51:52
That is correct.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
0:51:52
Okay.